For many, acne is nothing more than a rite of passage--a minor inconvenience that passes with the onset of adulthood. For some, however, acne can leave lasting scars; and if your acne was severe, the acne scars can be extensive and even disfiguring.
You can cover scars up with makeup to reduce their visibility, but the results are only short-term. There are several treatments that can help reduce your acne scars for the short- or long-term, such as chemical peels, and some may even permanently remove them.
Over-the-Counter Remedies
Topical Scar Creams – Available in the skin-care section of most stores, scar creams contain mild acids that help reduce the appearance of certain types of scars. These creams can take several weeks to work and the results will depend on the size and extent of your scarring. You should contact a dermatologist before using a topical scar cream to treat your acne scars.
Bleaching Creams – Like topical scar creams, bleaching creams are available over-the-counter and can be found in the skin-care or beauty aisles. You might also find them in the aisles that carry African-American beauty products.
These creams will not diminish the appearance of raised or indented acne scars; they address the skin discoloration that can sometimes accompany the scarring.
Risks and Considerations
Over-the-counter cosmetic creams have the potential to irritate the skin, including itching, burning and swelling. It is also possible to have an allergic reaction to the active ingredients, or to the fillers, in the cream. Because these topical products are fairly mild, it could also take several applications to see results, if any. Many creams can also be expensive, especially if you have to do multiple applications to see any results. These products could aggravate the appearance of some acne scars. You should always consult your doctor or dermatologist before using an over-the-counter remedy to treat your acne scars.
Surgical/Cosmetic Treatments
1. Laser Resurfacing – Laser light removes the outer layer of the skin, which allows new skin to form in its place. When used on acne scars, it removes the top layer of the scar and the surrounding skin, which allows healthy skin to grow in its place for a smoother appearance.
2. Pulsed Light & Radiofrequency Devices – These devices help break up scar tissue without affecting the top layer of skin. It can take several treatments but, over time, they do diminish the appearance of raised scars.
3. Dermabrasion & Microdermabrasion – These procedures use a combination of an acid with an exfoliating disc or brush to remove the outer surface of the skin. The process is similar to using sandpaper to smooth out a piece of wood for a smoother surface.
4. Filler Injections – By injecting fillers, such as silicone, collagen, or fat under the skin and into the scar, the dermatologist or technician can reduce pitting and make the skin appear smoother.
5. Surgical Removal – If you have large and extensive scarring, your doctor might recommend surgery. Surgical procedures include:
- Punch Excision – where the surgeon removes individual acne scars
- Excision and skin grafts – where the surgeon removes a larger area of scarring, then grafts new skin onto the area
Risks and Considerations of Acne Scar Treatments
- Laser treatments can irritate the skin, including itching, burning and swelling, and it is also possible to develop scarring from the laser procedure.
- Dermabrasion and microdermabrasion can also irritate the skin, with burning, itching, and swelling similar to the laser procedure.
- Surgery poses a risk of infection, heavy bleeding, and scarring. It is also possible to have a bad reaction to the anesthesia used during surgery.
The initial cost for all of these procedures is greater than the initial cost of an over-the-counter product. However, these procedures are also considered more effective, so in the long-term you will spend less money for these professional treatments than you might have for expensive OTC creams that weren't as effective. If you are considering any of these cosmetic procedures, you should consult with your dermatologist first, to determine which procedure would work best for you.
